Fondation Maeght

Fondation Maeght is a private museum of modern and contemporary art located in Saint-Paul de Vence. It’s an interesting place, but rather only for lovers of this type of art.

Fondation Maeght is a private museum built in a forest, on a hill near Saint-Paul de Vence. This architecturally interesting building was designed by the Catalan architect Josep Lluís Sert; and the collection of works it exhibits, and its closeness to nature go hand in hand here. However, this is a place for art lovers, not for the casual tourist. Fortunately, it lies off the beaten track, so only people who know what they are looking for visit it.

The Fondation Maeght at a glance

• What: a private museum of modern art opened in 1964, in a building by Josep Lluís Sert.
• Where: 623 Chemin des Gardettes, just outside Saint-Paul de Vence.
• Highlights: Miró’s labyrinth, Giacometti’s courtyard, Chagall, Braque and Bonnard.
• Open: every day, usually 10am to 6pm (7pm from July to September).
• How long: one to two hours.

Combine it with a walk around the walled village of Saint-Paul de Vence, 15 minutes away on foot.

Fondation Maeght – the works of eminent artists

The Fondation Maeght Museum was opened on July 28, 1964 and was funded by Marguerite and Aimé Maeght, a married couple who were art dealers, collectors, and publicists. Many distinguished artists were involved in the construction of the facility, which is why some of the works are literally built into the museum.

The place is entirely dedicated to contemporary and modern art. Here you can admire not only mosaics, paintings, and sculptures, but also spatial installations. Among the artists whose works can be seen in the museum, are Chagall, Bonnard, Braque, Léger, Miró, Kandinsky, and Giacometti. Temporary exhibitions are regularly organized, which is why not all of the original works are put on display.

The museum is considered one of the most interesting places of its type in the world. If you’re an art lover, it would definitely be an attraction worth visiting during your stay in the region.

Practical information

The museum is located at 623 chemin des Gardettes, 06570 Saint-Paul de Vence. It is open every day, usually from 10am to 7pm from July to the end of September, and from 10am to 6pm in the remaining months. Admission is paid, with reductions for students and young people, and children under 10 enter for free; current prices are on the museum’s website. Without a car, take the train from Nice to Cagnes-sur-Mer and bus 655 to Saint-Paul de Vence, then walk up about 15 minutes.

There is free parking on site, and also toilets, a shop, and a cafe. It is worth spending at least an hour here.

For additional information, please visit fondation-maeght.com.